Bristol Flyers basketball team are about to embark on the biggest game in their short history as they take on Manchester Magic in the National Cup final on Sunday.

The Flyers, who are based at Filton College, have only been going for five years but have made huge strides in that time, securing three successive league promotions.

They now play in the English National Division One, the second tier of English basketball.

"We started in division three and some of those players are part of our team now so it's pretty exciting," said head coach Andreas Kapoulas.

In a nutshell it's the biggest game the club as ever had Greg Streete

"We play particular attention to junior development with our captain Greg Streete coming through our junior system.

"We have a good team atmosphere and work ethic and that contributes to having a good team environment."

The Flyers are certainly the underdogs for the match against the Magic in Sheffield, having yet to beat them in seven attempts.

"In a nutshell it's the biggest game the club as ever had," said Streete.

"To be playing at that arena against Manchester who are already established as a powerhouse.

It's a one-off game, anything can happen, Manchester have lost a couple of games and we're ready for it Andreas Kapoulas

"For us to be playing against them is an opportunity to really show what we're made of.

"Our record against them isn't too good but we've shown that we can beat them so really it's about knuckling down and doing our best.

Bristol's path to the final saw them beat last season's league champions Reading Rockets in the quarter-finals before seeing off Derby Trailblazers in the semi-final.

And coach Andreas Kapoulas knows a victory on Sunday would put his team on another level.

"It's huge for Bristol basketball. It's also good for everyone in the country to consider Bristol as one of the top areas in terms of producing elite basketball," he said.

"It's a one-off game, anything can happen. Manchester have lost a couple of games and we're ready for it.

"Getting to a final and winning a cup is such a prestigious thing and would do wonders for the area and the club and generate a lot more interest in basketball in Bristol."

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